Combining rTMS with CBT for treating OCD
Priming Cognitive Flexibility with RTMS to Enhance CBT for OCD: a Pilot Study
PHASE1 · Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre · NCT06840951
This study is testing if combining a brain treatment called rTMS with therapy can help people with obsessive-compulsive disorder feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | PHASE1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT06840951 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of combining repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The approach aims to enhance cognitive functioning through rTMS before initiating CBT, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes. Participants will undergo rTMS treatment followed by CBT, with the goal of assessing whether this combination can better address the cognitive deficits often associated with OCD. The study is designed as a pilot test to evaluate the clinical benefits of this novel therapeutic strategy.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 who experience clinically significant OCD symptoms and are stabilized on medication.
Not a fit: Patients with severe mood disorders, psychotic disorders, or active medical conditions requiring urgent intervention may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve treatment responses for patients with OCD by enhancing cognitive functioning.
How similar studies have performed: While rTMS has shown moderate therapeutic effects in OCD, this specific combination with CBT is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * between the ages of 18-65 * experiencing clinically significant obsessive-compulsive symptoms based on the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (YBOCS; score \> 16) * if on medications for OCD, must be stabilized, i.e., are currently receiving an adequate dose (equivalent of 40mg/day of fluoxetine) for an adequate duration (at least 8 weeks) prior to the initiation of the study Exclusion Criteria: * concurrent diagnosis of a severe mood disorder, schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, or substance abuse/dependence * suspected organic pathology * an active comorbid medical condition that may require urgent intervention during the treatment
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Neil A. Rector, Ph.D. — Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
- Study coordinator: Kailee Kassardjian
- Email: kailee.kassardjian@sri.utoronto.ca
- Phone: 416-480-6100
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, Cognitive behavioural therapy, Flexibility, Neuroplasticity, Neurocognition